10 Romantic Small Towns In Tennessee For A 3-Day Weekend
Tennessee's picturesque mountains, lakes, rivers, and parks provide a stunning backdrop for a romantic getaway for newlyweds, young couples, and retirees. Scattered across the state are charming small towns where scenic beauty, Southern hospitality, and intimate experiences come together to create unforgettable weekends. From candlelit dinners in historic districts to leisurely strolls along peaceful riverfronts and adventurous outings in the Smokies, each town offers its own unique blend of relaxation and romance.
Whether looking to reconnect, celebrate, or simply escape the rush of everyday life, these destinations invite you to spend quality moments with your loved one. Below, this article highlights the most romantic small towns in Tennessee for a dreamy three-day weekend, from the mountainous Gatlinburg to the historic Bell Buckle.
Sevierville
Sevierville welcomes guests to a utopian escape in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, offering a packed itinerary filled with aerial thrills, animal encounters, shopping, and more. One of its major attractions is SkyLand Ranch, a 100-acre amusement park with scenic walks, a mountain coaster, a petting zoo, and a mountaintop thrill ride. Guests can ride the chairlift for stunning panoramas of the surroundings. Meanwhile, the Rainforest Adventure Zoo beckons wildlife enthusiasts to explore a pleasant sanctuary harboring more than 100 animal species.
Premier shopping opportunities await vacationers at Tanger Outlet Sevierville, featuring recognized brands such as Nike, Under Armour, Old Navy, and American Eagle to explore. To wrap up the lovely getaway, remember to secure accommodation at Wilderness at the Smokies and have a beautiful night's rest.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a romantic resort town nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, renowned for its stunning panoramas, exquisite wines, and thrilling adventures. A romantic drive to the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook culminates in breathtaking views of the town against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its isolated and peaceful setting is the ideal environment to reminisce about beautiful moments while lost in the views. Couples can experience the thrill of whizzing through the Smokies on a coaster for an unforgettable experience, courtesy of Ripley's Mountain Coaster.
It doesn't get more romantic than enjoying a fine glass of wine, accompanied by a touch of Southern hospitality at Tennessee Homemade Wines. After a fun day of touring and appreciating the beauty of Gatlinburg, you can spend a relaxed night at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg.
Townsend
Popularly known as the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies," Townsend is a charming getaway in eastern Tennessee, perfect for couples seeking to unwind away from the noise. It is surrounded by a mountainous wilderness with lush woodlands, rushing streams, and sweeping vistas worth soaking up along the Cades Cove Scenic Loop. Meanwhile, an easygoing stroll or slow cycle down the Townsend Riverwalk is a great way to unwind and relax your mind, offering scenic views of the Little River.
It never hurts to sample a glass or two of wine during your romantic escape, and Cades Cove Cellars invites you to complimentary tastings of its vintage wines, ranging from dry to sweet. For accommodation, Best Western Cades Cove Inn is an excellent location, just two miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Jonesborough
Jonesborough draws tourists with its unprecedented rustic charm, stunning historic district, and artsy encounters. Tourists enjoy strolling along the cobblestone streets that wind through the old town square and transport them to an early era. It also offers an opportunity to view the formative years of the community with a tour of the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum. The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre welcomes newcomers for fun theatrical productions on stage in a welcoming atmosphere.
While in downtown, you can also take the time to sample tasty homemade soups, grilled sandwiches, and salads at the popular Main Street Cafe & Catering. Finally, Jonesborough promises comfort and convenience when you spend the night at the Historic Eureka Inn and Event Center.
Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains exudes rural charm with its dense woodland surroundings, hidden waterfalls, and vast lake views. It promises an earned reprieve from the city, allowing guests to reconnect with nature and explore the outdoors. There is no better way to do this than with a romantic drive along the Cherohala Skyway. The town's rugged wilderness is awash with natural gems that encourage first-timers to venture outdoors. Highlights include the Bald River Falls, which stun tourists with its 90-foot drop and features peaceful hiking trails around.
Those feeling adventurous can float down the rapids of the Tellico River for a fun tubing excursion with Big Bear Tubing Company. Lastly, you can experience 5-star accommodation in the cabin-style rooms of the Lodge at Tellico.
Bell Buckle
Bell Buckle blends history, food, and small-town charm to grant vacationers memorable moments. It is home to the Bell Buckle Historic District, suitable for leisurely strolls for sightseeing and shopping at quaint outlets like the Livery Stable Antique Mall. Over 30 vendors display their collectibles and primitives in this welcoming store, offering visitors a chance to sort through vintage treasures. The Bell Buckle Cafe is a major point of interest in downtown. This casual, old-school eatery serves delicious American food with a Southern twist in a romantic setting.
Elsewhere, you can get more souvenir items and delicious desserts at Blue Bird Antiques and Ice Cream Parlor, renowned for its delicious scoops of ice cream and waffle cones. Bell Buckle also welcomes guests to spend a cozy night at Seasons Bed and Breakfast.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge's abundance of amusement parks, thrill rides, and theater hubs offers tourists one of the most romantic small towns in Tennessee for a three-day weekend. This lovely town delivers a literal roller coaster of fun at Dollywood. This world-class theme park boasts over 50 thrill rides, a waterpark, and live shows spread across a 160-acre entertainment hub. A trip to Pigeon Forge Snow offers a chance to play in the snow at any time of the year and indulge in snow tubing.
Nature lovers who gravitate toward natural settings will love strolling through the lush trails of Parrot Mountain and Gardens and interacting with colorful parrots in the peaceful sanctuary. Finally, the Ramada Pigeon Forge North provides a convenient accommodation spot within touching distance of major points of interest.
Sweetwater
Sweetwater conceals one of the most romantic underground gems in the country. This Monroe County town is home to the largest underground lake in the United States, situated within Craighead Caverns. This subterranean treasure draws droves of admirers seeking to witness the Lost Sea, explore the dramatic rock formations, and take a romantic boat ride. Theater fans are in for a lovely experience at Salt & Light, which hosts a series of musicals, dance, and other theater shows in an intimate setting.
Meanwhile, remember to try out the local food at the Lazy Beagle Grill & Pub. This rooftop diner cooks up scrumptious Southern eats in a cozy atmosphere. When you need a nice spot for your overnight stay, Quality Inn Sweetwater West is a great location.
Lynchburg
This cool town in south-central Tennessee has a reputation for producing world-class whiskies and juicy BBQ. Lynchburg is home to the Jack Daniel's Distillery, which offers immersive guest tours that feature a journey through the brand's evolution. The venue boasts a variety of artifacts about the brand's history and a look at the production process, culminating in tastings of freshly made whiskeys. The perfect follow-up awaits at Barrel House BBQ, where guests can savor delicious smoked meats, burgers, and pulled pork in a cozy downtown setting.
A piece of cake and other savory treats at the Lynchburg Cake and Candy Company won't hurt. This family-owned store offers a variety of confections to satisfy your sweet cravings. Finally, be sure to book a room for two at Lynchburg Country Inn, which is a few minutes’ walk from the Jack Daniel's Distillery.
Morristown
Morristown boasts pastoral natural beauty, framed by the calm waters of the Holston River and Cherokee Lake, and set against the backdrop of the Appalachians. It excites tourists with premier shopping and dining opportunities at the College Square Mall. This massive lifestyle center features over 50 specialty stores and fine-dining restaurants, providing a pleasant spot to stroll and window-shop. Also, leisurely strolls down the hiking trails at Panther Creek State Park and fishing sessions at Cherokee Lake sound like a romantic day out.
Another great experience for couples in Morristown involves watching a romantic flick at AMC CLASSIC College Square 12, which showcases first-run films on 3D digital screens. Later, you can spend a great night sleeping at the Hampton Inn Morristown.
A Long Weekend In Tennessee
Wherever you decide to spend your romantic weekend, these Tennessee gems guarantee the ideal blend of romance, relaxation, and scenic charm, making them perfect for couples seeking a meaningful escape. From the gorgeous mountain views in Pigeon Forge to the peaceful and historic streets in Jonesborough, these romantic small towns in Tennessee, for a three-day weekend, set the stage for slow-paced moments and memorable experiences. Ultimately, couples will find plenty of opportunities to unwind, reconnect, and create romantic moments.
